March 6, 2013 Casinos - It's Time

Bill Fine, WCVB-TV President and General Manager

Does casino chatter in Massachusetts seem endless and stuck in neutral to you? You’re not alone.

After years of debate, next September marks two years since the state legislature passed a landmark gaming bill.

Now the state’s Gaming Commission needs to choose the sites, and provide potential host communities the opportunity to vote and ultimately allow or deny a particular plan to move forward.

To our north, New Hampshire has moved swiftly on casinos. To the south, New Jersey is taking action as well.

In Massachusetts, while we appreciate the complexities involved, the pace has nonetheless been glacial and the future deliberations and inevitable battles will also extend the process.

Recently, the state’s Gaming Commission floated a helpful and encouraging proposal: to hold local referendum votes—at least as they pertain to slots—at the same time the state’s special senate election is held in June.

We would add something more: Why not expand the referenda to casinos as well? After all, the final bidders for the three casino locations are locked in; there’s no reason not to have those communities vote at the same time.

Our position is not to hamper due diligence or steamroll the final results.

Whether you supported or abhor casinos and slots in Massachusetts, they are now a reality. Let’s make the referendum date well publicized and clear, allowing affected cities and towns to effectively prepare their support or opposition.

The initial premise for expanded gambling was to create more revenue for Massachusetts. Why delay the ensuing financial benefits from coming as soon as feasibly possible.